Freddie Powell may not have found his happily ever after on Love Is Blind: UK season 1, but he certainly found something else — certified heartthrob status.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the Netflix Summer Break event on Thursday, July 17, held at the Santa Monica Pier, Freddie opened up about the unexpected attention he’s received and how he feels about his newfound fame.
Freddie Powell on His Heartthrob Status
Although many fans see Freddie as a heartthrob after his appearance on Love Is Blind: UK, Freddie himself isn’t quite sure how to handle the attention. “It’s a very nice compliment. Obviously, I’m very sort of grateful for that,” he says with a smile.
“Yeah, I’m grateful, obviously, I don’t really know what to say, like, it’s a little bit embarrassing, do you know what I mean?”
Freddie admits that he’s a bit “embarrassed” by the label but adds, “I’m flattered.” He goes on to explain that he doesn’t know what makes him so appealing. “I’m just me,” he says. “Like, I say what’s on my mind and I’m always very mindful of what I’m doing, but I do that — it’s not just for TV… it’s just my life.”
A Love That Didn’t Work Out
Fans may recall that Freddie was close to finding love with Catherine Richards on season 1 of Love Is Blind: UK, but things didn’t work out in the end. Initially torn between Freddie and Ollie Sutherland, Catherine chose Freddie, and the two got engaged.
However, their relationship hit a roadblock, and they ultimately called it off at their wedding. At the reunion, they confirmed they were “better suited as friends.”
Reflecting on his past relationship, Freddie admits that it didn’t pan out as he hoped but adds, “It’s all part of the journey.”
What Freddie is Looking for in a Partner
Now, Freddie is looking for a connection that goes deeper than surface-level attraction. “I know it sounds cheesy, but just like my twin flame, so somebody who, you know, we think similar and we don’t have to have similar interests,” he says when asked about his ideal match.
“We don’t have to be the same person, but just somebody that I can vibe with and, and understands me as a person and what I can offer and, and what they can offer to me as well.”
Freddie is preparing to give love another shot on season 3 of Perfect Match, set to premiere on Netflix on Friday, Aug. 1. While he’s not sure what the future holds, he’s keeping an open mind and staying hopeful.
In the meantime, fans can catch up on Love Is Blind: UK season 1, which is available to stream on Netflix. The highly anticipated season 2 will premiere on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
